Community Psychology in Global Perspective CPGP, Comm. Psych. Glob. Persp. Vol 7, Issue 1, 88 – 105, 2021 88 THE “PLANTITO/PLANTITA” HOME GARDENING DURING THE PANDEMIC Archie Balingit Sunga * and Jowie Lumanog Advincula ** The COVID-19 pandemic has affected every segment of life, including health, economy, education, and social ecologies. Quarantine measures have forced people to stay inside their homes, leading to the “new normal” of living and adaptation. One activity that has been among Filipinos during the onset of the lockdown until the present time is the increased engagement in gardening. Home gardening suddenly became a widespread activity in rural and urban areas. The use of the words “plantito” [male] and “plantita” [female] denote someone who enjoys taking care of plants. This qualitative study aims to explore and describe the rise of home gardening among Filipinos during the pandemic. A total of 104 participants answered an online survey containing open-ended questions. They described a “plantito/plantita” as a plant lover and nurturer and reported home gardening as a way of connecting with nature, a psychological experience, and an interest. The benefits include stress relief and improved mood. Further studies on home gardening and mental health and possible opportunities to incorporate this activity in communities are warranted. Keywords: gardening, plant, COVID-19, pandemic, mental health 1. Introduction The COVID-19 was declared as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the Director-General of the World Health Organization last January 30, 2020 (World Health Organization [WHO], 2020), which was later characterized as a pandemic last March 11, 2020, due to rising number of cases and deaths (WHO, 2020). COVID-19 is a disease caused by a new coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2 that can spread from person to person (WHO, 2020; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2020). Several countries have imposed prevention guidelines such as travel restrictions, the physical distancing of at least two meters, mandatory wearing of face masks when outside the home, and community lockdowns to control its spread. These guidelines and restrictions have affected the day-to-day functioning of different communities around the globe. The Philippines is one of the countries heavily affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and was under a "state of calamity" on March 16, 2020. The government has implemented enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and general community quarantine (GCQ) specifications to restrict the movement of individuals (Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2020). * Immaculate Conception School of Malolos, Philippines ** School of the Holy Spirit of Quezon City, Philippines